Autophagy: Mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives in intestinal metaplasia (Review)

Intestinal metaplasia (IM) represents a key stage in the progression of gastric mucosal lesions to gastric cancer, marked by a complex molecular pathogenesis and a lack of effective interventional strategies. Autophagy, a key mechanism for maintaining cell homeostasis, is closely associated with the onset and progression of IM. The present review aimed to summarize the role of autophagy in IM by integrating its association with risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms. The present study evaluated the impact of autophagy on inflammation, immune responses and cellular fate determination during IM. The present study summarized potential autophagy‑mediated therapeutic agents for IM treatment and future research directions and existing limitations, aiming to provide novel insight for preventing and managing this premalignant condition.